As a seasoned film critic with a penchant for quirky comedies and heartwarming tales, I must say that “Holy Days” piques my interest like no other. With a cast boasting some of the most esteemed actresses of our time, led by the promising directorial debut of Nat Boltt, this film is destined to become a classic in the making.


Actress Nat Boltt, who is known for her roles in “Riverdale” and “District 9”, has prepared three potential actresses to play the role of nuns for her first directorial project.

Titled “Holy Days,” a comedic adaptation of Dame Joy Cowley’s novel, is set to feature some prominent actors. The cast includes Oscar-nominated and Emmy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA winner Judy Davis (“Husband and Wives”), renowned for her work in the “Harry Potter” franchise’s BAFTA laureate Miriam Gargoyles, and two-time Oscar and Golden Globe nominee Jacki Weaver (“Silver Linings Playbook”). The young talent Elijah Tamati (“Deep Water”) takes on a leading role. Additionally, Boltt, the director who penned the screenplay herself, will also appear in the film.

Global rights to the Firefly Films and Lily Pictures feature film have been obtained by Blue Fox Entertainment, with exceptions for New Zealand and Canada. The movie will make its debut in the market at the upcoming American Film Market (AFM), while filming is scheduled to start mid-November.

In “Holy Days,” three eccentric elderly nuns embark on a journey in search of miracles, only to discover they’ve become expert drivers with a devilish touch instead. When the impending retirement of the last of the sisters at St. Suzanne’s leaves them in a bind, they take their destiny into their own hands. A hasty trip to New Zealand’s breathtaking South Island leads them to an ex-nun-turned-lawyer who can help with their legal matters. A young Māori boy stows away on their journey, hoping to assist, but harbors a secret quest: he aims to reach the summit of Mt. Cook, where he believes his recently lost mother is waiting in the spirit world. However, things take a turn for the worse when an unforeseen blizzard derails everyone’s plans, and this motley crew of friends encounters their toughest test yet: confronting mortality.

The movie is created by Emma Slade, Michelle Morris, Victoria Dabbs, Roxi Bull, and Sushant Desai, in collaboration with Māori producer Tainui Stephens and associate producers Micah Winiata and Eva Trebilco.

Boltt expressed his immense pride in ‘Holy Days’ and the remarkable individuals and collaborations that brought this enchanting movie to life. Much like ‘Little Miss Sunshine,’ this tale gathers an unconventional group of companions and propels them on a surprising quest for self-discovery. Although they might not achieve their desires, they will undoubtedly find what they truly need! I’m excited about our partnership with Blue Fox as the film connects with audiences worldwide and becomes a cherished classic in cinematic history.

The movie will be distributed in New Zealand, Australia, Canada; Kismet Movies handles distribution for New Zealand and Australia, while Photon Films takes care of Canada. This production received financial backing from various sources including Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission, New Zealand Screen Production Rebate, Telefilm Canada, Creative BC, the Province of British Columbia, CBC Films, and Elemental Post.

Lisa Guberlet from Blue Fox stated that ‘Holy Days’ resembles popular, emotionally moving family films like ‘Wonder’ and ‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’. This film, which boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring some of the world’s most respected actresses, combines humor, emotion, and adventure with themes that are universally relatable, such as love, loss, and resilience. It is expected to captivate viewers of all ages.

Boltt, Davis, Margolyes, Weaver, and Tamati are all represented by various talent agencies: Boltt by The Characters and Circle of Confusion, Davis by Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and Shanahan Management, Margolyes by Innovative Artists and Shanahan Management, Weaver by CAA and Elevate Entertainment, and Tamati by Lion Rock Management.

Read More

2024-11-01 19:47